James Glynn

James was born May 8, 1928 in Mullacuttra, County Galway, Ireland. Jim was one of ten children born to the union of Michael and Nora Glynn. His sisters Bea and Mary Michael and brothers Mick and Peter preceded him in death. Jim is survived by his loving siblings Nan, Margaret, Nonie, Sean and Matt. Jim’s early years were spent in Galway. Word has it that he was a legend in the local Dance Halls of Claregalway.

Jim immigrated to New York City via a ship in 1956. He often told stories of his week long journey to New York. He had never been served by a waiter until his trip to New York in 1956. He settled in the Bronx and lived the bachelor life until 1960. October 15, 1960 he married Bridie Fahy also from County Galway Ireland, Corofin. Mary Glynn was born 1962 and Cathy Glynn followed in 1965. They stayed in the Bronx until 1967 when they decided to way move out east to Lake Grove, New York where Michael Glynn was born 1967. Jim and Bridie were original “White Walls” living at 1 Katie Court for over 55 years.

Jim worked for Con Edison for 28 years making the daily commute/carpool to Astoria Queens where he was a crane driver/operator serving all of New York City. Jim was deemed a hero by the Mayor Ed Koch in 1985 for his efforts in rescue of Bridget Gurney who was the victim of a construction accident. Jim’s Con Edison crane was in the area and he drove the crane to scene of the accident and used his crane to free the trapped woman. Jim was rewarded with a picnic at Gracie Mansion hosted by Ed Koch. At the end of his career with Con Edison Jim worked many hours at the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant in Poughkeepsie, New York. Rather than make the commute from Lake Grove to Poughkeepsie he would spend nights in Flushing, Queens with his sister Nonie Leddy and family. Jim also worked side jobs cutting lawns. His biggest account was PC Richard for whom he would cut the grass at their Long Island stores. He even cut the grass at the homes of the PC Richard executives. His labor force consisted of Mary, Cathy and Michael.

Living in the White Walls in the 70’s and 80’s was a unique experience. The community was mostly Blue Collar workers who worked for NYC (Police, Fireman, Utility like Con Ed). Jim and Bridie had wonderful neighbors on Katie Court and all throughout the White Walls. It was and still is a beautiful community to raise a family. Jim and Bridie are indeed White Walls Royalty.

Jim was a devoted family man and very involved with all three of his children. Summer vacations were spent in Ireland were Jim and Bridie got to go back “home”. Some summers were also spent in the Catskills, NY or Lake George, NY. There was even one summer vacation to Disney World. Sometimes there was no vacation at all but he still always did fun things like Square Dancing at Bald Hill or trips to Jones Beach.

Jim retired from Con Edison in 1989. Up until a few months before his death he would go to monthly retirement lunches with former Con Edison workers. During retirement he took on a new role as “Pop” to his 8 Grandchildren : Joseph (Alyssa), Timothy (Kelly), Brendan, Declan, Conor, Tara, Kieran (Annie) and Aidan. Jim really loved being Pop. All the Grandchildren spent much time at Katie Court. Some favorites were Backyard Baseball on the wiffle ball field in his backyard and Favorite Chicken Friday’s. Jim was also fortunate to see the birth of 3 Great Grandchildren Viviana, Myla and Madison James. During retirement he also spent a lot of time at the Ancient Order of Hibernians Hall in Selden. He was Aide to the Grand Marshall at the NYC St Patrick’s Day parade marching up 5th Avenue in NYC.

In 2018 Jim took the entire family back to Mullacuttra, Ireland to celebrate his 90th Birthday at The Arches in Claregalway. It was a legendary week that resulted in a write up in the local Claregalway paper.

Jim Glynn will be missed by all who knew him. He truly lived a legendary life. RIP Pop.